JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

With increased access to technology and the Internet there are many opportunities for utilizing e-health, Internet or technology-delivered health services and information, for the prevention and management of chronic diseases.

Objective:

The purpose of this paper is to explore the differences between adults aged 18-64 with and without chronic disease(s) in their technology use, online health information seeking and use behaviors, attitudes towards seeking health information online, and level of e-health literacy.

Methods:

A panel study was conducted in March 2017 with 401 U.S adults. Participants were surveyed online and their responses were examined to understand associations between chronic disease status and e-health behaviors such as Internet health-seeking behaviors and online behaviors related to health, tracking health indicators with a mobile app, patient portal use, and preferences for health information.

Results:

About one in three (37.2%) of the panel participants reported at least one chronic disease diagnosis. Around 75% of all participants reported having ever searched for health information online. Participants with a chronic disease reported significantly higher instances of visiting and talking to a healthcare provider based on health information found online (40.0% vs. 25.8%, X2(2)=6.65, p=.01; 43.3% vs. 27.9%, X2(2)=7.58, p=.006). The uses of health information found online also significantly differed between participants with and without chronic diseases in affecting a decision about how to treat an illness or condition (49.2% vs. 35.0%, X2(3)=6.66, p=.04), changing the way they cope with a chronic condition or manage pain (40.8% vs. 19.4%, X2(2)=16.33, P<.001), and leading them to ask a doctor new questions or get a second opinion (37.5% vs. 19.6%, X2(2)=11.8, p<.001). Chronic disease participants were significantly more likely to be tracking health indicators (43.9% vs. 28.3%, X2(2) = 10.42, p=.006). Around 24% of participants reported using a health related mobile app in both groups. In addition, patients with a chronic disease diagnosis reported significantly higher rates of patient portal access (55.0% vs 42.1%, X2(2)=6.33, p=.01) and use (40.9% vs 21%, X2(2)=18.24, P<.001). Lastly, both groups, reported similar perceived skills in using the Internet for health information on the eHEALS health literacy scale. They also both responded positively when asked about the usefulness of health information and importance of accessing health resources online.

Conclusions:

The high rates of reported information seeking and use of Internet-based health technology among participants with chronic disease may reflect the uptake in e-health to help manage chronic disease conditions. Healthcare providers and educators should continue to seek ways to interact and support patients in their management of chronic disease through e-health platforms, including online resources, patient portals, and smartphone apps for disease education and monitoring.